I posting this in MYOG, though it's more of a group of questions that may lead me to SEMMOG (Someone Else Modify My Own Gear).

I am the proud owner of a new-to-me Integral Designs eVent Overbag. I really like the roominess and the material really does seem top-notch. Getting in and out of it is exactly what I expected - I need to do the "bivy wiggle" due to the opening only at the top. If that's the way it needs to be, that's just fine. We can skip any discussion about how I should have bought the bivy I want instead of exploring modification, I'm just asking questions here. Sorry if that seems bratty, I've just seen some threads turn into that. :)

It would be great if there was a zipper on one side, maybe 36 - 48" long that would fold back for ease of use. If you're familiar with the ID Overbag, the "headhole" cinches shut with cords. I don't see any reason that I'd want to change that.

I'm hoping that those of you out there with MUCH more experience than I can help with these questions...

- Are there any eVent specific concerns about opening up a seam and putting in a zipper? Is there a specific thread that needs to be used?

- I've looked at all of the waterproof zipper threads I can find, but I'm still kind of confused. I will be using this bivy in winter ONLY. Not rain. Is a WP zipper necessary?

- Has anyone else done this?

- Here comes the kicker....I CAN'T SEW! With that said, I know that sometimes some cottage folks will make gear mods even on items they didn't sell. Anyone know of someone that would do this? I don't really want to drop this off to my local tailor.

Thought I'd try to clarify what I'm talking about here in hopes that folks will chime in. Also, when/if this gets done should it be taped?

The Bivy/Overbag

Where I would like the zipper to run

An issue at the top...the seam tucks under the hood and follows a line off of the outside seam. So, if the zipper stopped where I would like it to stop the the bivy would not open up, it would just be like a big pit zip!

Nielsen Brown (blogs - do a search) had exactly the same bivvy altered by Scottish Mountain Gear over here with a side zip.....not that you'd want to send it back but you might try PMing him for some details of how it was done...?

I was thinking of doing the same things but in the end thought that with that horrible yellow colour I'd pass ;-)

I sent Nielsen a note, great to hear I'm not on uncharted ground on this one. I consider the biggest challenge to be sourcing a zipper that has just the right mix of mustard and day-glo. Wouldn't want to diminish the aesthetics of the bag! :)

I have responded to Steve's message but for completeness I thought I would provide my response here as well.

I, like Steve, decided that a side zip was a good idea, but how? I contacted Scottish Mountain Gear and indicated that I wanted a side zip in the bivy, I also indicated that I wanted to have a water resistant double ended zip and suggested the length (60" in my case). The modification done by Scottish Mountain Gear were excellent and I normally use the bivy with my mid in winter.

Thanks so much for the pictures, that really really helps. Plus, to have someone who has already field tested this idea is huge. I knew that I wasn't creative enough to have been the only one to think of this!!

Looks like I'll be asking Specialty Outdoors to do this for me. http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/about/whatis.asp. When I get it completed, I'll be sure to post pics. Thanks!